2012 MINI Coupe Cooper

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  • 2012 MINI Coupe Cooper gallery image
  • 2012 MINI Coupe Cooper gallery image
  • 2012 MINI Coupe Cooper gallery image
  • 2012 MINI Coupe Cooper gallery image
  • 2012 MINI Coupe Cooper gallery image
  • 2012 MINI Coupe Cooper gallery image
  • 2012 MINI Coupe Cooper gallery image
  • 2012 MINI Coupe Cooper gallery image
  • 2012 MINI Coupe Cooper gallery image

Basic Specs

Base Price $22,000
Drivetrain Front Wheel Drive
Curb Weight (lbs) 2557
City (MPG) 29
Hwy (MPG) 37
Horsepower 121@6000
Torque (lb-ft) 114@4250
Wheelbase 97.1
Length (in.) 146.8
Width (in.) 66.3
Height (in.) 54.3

From the windows down, the MINI Coupe Cooper could be mistaken for a normal MINI Cooper with a body kit. One glance at the polarizing greenhouse, however, reveals that this is an entirely different vehicle, one much less dictated by the constraints of practicality.

The Coupe represents the brand’s foray into what it refers to as the super compact sports car class, an attempt to maintain the traditional MINI design ethos while creating a car optimized for spirited motoring.

With a “torsion wall” chassis reinforcement where the MINI Cooper’s rear seats are, the Coupe is strictly a two-seater. Somewhat counter intuitively, it actually weighs about 50 lbs more than its four-seat counterpart because it’s based on the meatier unibody of the Cabrio, which has reinforced rocker sills for greater structural rigidity and improved handling.

The Coupe distinguishes itself visually with an unusual “helmet” roof (available in black, red and silver) supported by black pillars. There are oval-shaped recesses in the roof liner for increased headroom inside, while the rear section of the roof houses an active spoiler that extends automatically at 50 mph to optimize airflow. The steeply raked windshield is slanted an additional 13 degrees compared with a normal Cooper for a sportier look.

For all of the structural and aesthetic changes, the Coupe is still heavily based on the MINI Cooper. The pair share the same engine options, which in the case of the base coupe is a 1.6-liter inline-four cylinder. The little engine sports parent company BMW’s flexible VALVETRONIC variable valve timing technology and produces 121 horsepower and 118 lb-ft of torque at 4,250 revs, good for a quoted zero-to-60 mph time of 8.3 seconds. It certainly won’t be winning any drag races, but it won’t live in fear of being smoked by semis, either.

Inside, the Coupe utilizes the traditionally quirky MINI control and instrumentation layout, with an enormous speedometer in the center of the dash and a steering-column mounted tachometer. In keeping with the nature of the car, sport seats are fitted as standard. A pass-through feature links the trunk to the passenger compartment for extra cargo versatility to go along with the car’s racy styling.

Befitting the brand’s quasi-premium intentions, the Coupe features a healthy list of standard equipment including speed-sensitive power steering, electrically adjustable exterior mirrors, height-adjustable seats, air conditioning and an audio system with MP3-compatible CD player and AUX IN connection.

Optional equipment includes Park Distance Control, black headlight housing, xenon headlights, Adaptive Headlights, Comfort Access, automatic climate control, automatically dimming rear-view mirror and exterior mirrors, a storage package and for the aesthetically challenged, a rear luggage carrier rack. Entertainment options include a Harman Kardon sound system, Bluetooth mobile phone preparation, a USB audio interface and a navigation system with a 6.5 inch display in the center of the speedometer.

Additionally, a wide variety of racing stripes, graphics and unique upholstery options are available for customers desirous of additional personalization.

Safety
Active safety features include Dynamic Stability and Traction Control systems and, as an option, an Electronic Differential Lock Control that helps keep the inside front wheel from spinning excessively when exiting tight turns.

In the event of a collision, the Coupe comes equipped with dual front and head-thorax airbags, which are integrated into the sides of the seat backrests and protect the head, upper body and hip area from injury in the event of a side-on impact.

Key competitors
The MINI Coupe Cooper isn't quite a hot-hatch, but nonetheless will probably be cross-shopped with a handful of them since that is the most common alternative to this diminutive car. Possible competitors would include the Scion tC, the Volkswagen GTI, the Ford Focus Hatchback, Honda Civic Si, Scion iQ or the Fiat 500.

Similar Cars

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    • General
    • Body Style: Coupe
    • Size: Compact
    • Market Segment: Sports
    • Weight: 2557 lbs
    • Exterior
    • Length: 146.8 in.
    • Width: 66.3 in.
    • Height: 54.3 in.
    • Wheelbase: 97.1 in.
    • Ground Clearance: TBD
    • Front Track: 57.4 in.
    • Rear Track: 57.8 in.
    • Weight Distribution: 61.6/38.4
    • Drag Coefficient: 0.33
    • Interior - General
    • Seats: 2
    • Passenger Volume: TBD
    • Cargo Volume: TBD
    • Cargo Volume (Seats Folded): TBD
    • Interior - Front Row
    • Volume: TBD
    • Leg Room: TBD
    • Head Room: TBD
    • Shoulder Room: 50.3 in.
    • Hip Room: TBD
    • Propulsion
    • Fuel Type: Gas
    • Engine Type: 1.6L I4
    • Power: 121 hp @ 6000 rpm
    • Torque: 114 lb-ft @ 4250 rpm
    • Transmission: 6-Speed Manual
    • Highway Fuel Economy: 37 mpg
    • City Fuel Economy: 29 mpg
    • Forced Induction: None
    • Direct Injection: No
    • Chassis
    • Layout: Front Wheel Drive
    • Front Suspension: Strut-Type
    • Rear Suspension: Multi-Link
    • Wheels
    • Front: 15" Aluminum
    • Front Tires: 175/65 R15
    • Rear: 15" Aluminum
    • Rear Tires: 175/65 R15
    • Trailering & Hauling
    • Trailer Weight: TBD
    • Payload: N/A
    • Tongue Weight: TBD

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